2012 Buick Regal GS with 255HP 2.0-liter Turbo and FWD Unveiled in Production Form

GM has revealed the production version of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show's Buick Regal GS concept but to our disappointment, the automaker has kept the 255HP 2.0-liter turbocharged engine instead of the Opel Insignia OPC's far more potent 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged V6 with 325 ponies. The General's cost-cutters also ditched the OPC's four-wheel drive system as the GS is a front-wheel drive model only.

Buick says with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the GS will accelerate from 0 to 60mph in less than seven seconds (*estimated). In comparison, the basic $28,200 VW Passat CC 2.0 Turbo with 200HP completes the standard sprint in 6.9 seconds, while the European Opel Insignia OPC in 5.8 seconds.

Later on, Buick will offer the GS with an optional six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control.

The car rides on standard 19-inch alloy wheels and all-season tire, with 20-inch polished alloy wheels shod in performance tires being optional. Braking power comes from a four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers, while there's also a standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.

Other than that, the Regal GS features Interactive Drive Control System which allows drivers to customize the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and GS.

The styling more or less follows in the footsteps of the Insignia OPC with a bespoke aero kit and bumpers, and a raft of interior upgrades such as the leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, sport seats and unique decorative trim.

The Regal GS goes on sale in the second half of 2011, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. However, being that prices for the 220HP Regal Turbo range from $28,795 to $34,435, we don't expect anything less than a mid-$30k sticker.

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Cadillac to Show All-New Concept Model at LA Auto Show: What will it be?

We're still tuned into the SEMA Show, but the news from the fast approaching Los Angeles Auto Show keep dropping in. Now we've learned that General Motors will stage the global reveal of a never-seen-before Cadillac concept study. not surprisingly, details remain slim. It could be a concept for Cadillac's recently confirmed small sedan (often called ATS), which will go up against the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4, or something different altogether. We just don't know. But feel free to speculate in the comments section below.

Note: The car pictured in the opening 'chop is not the actual Cadillac concept
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GM Becomes First Global Automaker to Sell 2 Million Cars in China a Single Year

General Motors has set another sales record in China by selling its 2 millionth vehicle, thus making it the first global automaker to do so in a single year. However, it should be noted that this sales number was achieved by GM and its joint ventures in the country.

In 2007, the Detroit automaker and its partners sold 1,031,974 vehicles in China, rising to 1,826,424 vehicles last year.

"This is another important milestone for General Motors in China," said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. "It was only three years ago that GM became the first global automaker to reach the 1 million annual sales mark in China."

Wale added, "Over the past decade, China's vehicle market has experienced unprecedented growth. GM has grown with it, working with our joint ventures to expand our lineup of vehicles and brands, adding to our portfolio of services, and increasing our production capacity to meet the changing needs of consumers nationwide."

According to GM, the company and its joint ventures have benefited from record monthly sales throughout the year. In October, the automaker and its partners sold 199,641 vehicles, marking a 19.6 percent annual increase and an all-time high for the month.

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General Motors Could get Over $45 Billion in Future Tax Breaks

According to the ever-enjoyable Wall Street Journal, General Motors may come away from its near-death experience with over $45 Billion in tax breaks on future profits over. Yes, that is Billion with a "B". How exactly did that happen?

Somewhere in the hubbub of GM's catastrophic nosedive into failure, paperwork was put in place to utilize a "tax-loss carry-forward" plan that uses deferred tax assets.

In plain terms, GM gets to put the value of the money the Old GM "lost" (or threw away) prior to and during its bankruptcy on a piece of paper and say it wants to reduce taxable income by that much. This, apparently, can be applied over the next twenty years.

It seems that having limits in place is the norm in these "carry-forward" tax break situations, but the people running the country said any businesses getting TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) funds were exempt from such restrictions. This includes business like GM, which the government says will now look better to investors (feel free to discuss amongst yourselves below).

Tax consultant Robert Willens says, "The Internal Revenue Service has decided that the government's involvement with these companies, both its acquisitions plus its disposals of their stock, means [the companies] should be exempt." According to GM, US$18.9 Billion of the carry-forward breaks are from prior losses, while the rest is due to pensions, retiree benefits, property maintenance, etc.

By Phil Alex

Source: WSJ

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GM's Pontiac Brand is Dead at the Age of 84

After 84 years, Pontiac, the once proud maker of American icons such as the Trans Am and GTO, breathed its last breath on Monday with the sale of the last remaining new cars. The closure comes one year after General Motors announced that it would terminate the brand as part of a restructuring plan.

Even though production of the last Pontiac, the Vibe, ended in August 2009, there were many new cars left in stock, so a deal was struck with dealers who received official backing to sell them. The agreement ended on Sunday, so Pontiac fans didn't actually get any treats for Halloween, only the confirmation that their favorite manufacturer is really dead.

It was a long year of clinical death, as buyers' interest towards the brand was insignificant. The New York Times reported that, at the end of August, GM dealers had fewer than 125 Pontiacs in stock, of which only eight were sold in September.

A sad end for a manufacturer whose name was once synonymous with "driving excitement". At the height of its existence, in 1973, Pontiac sold 920,000 cars, but after that it was mostly a downhill ride.

Pontiac did offer a few interesting cars in its final years – like the G8 and the Solstice -, but it was not enough to bring back the glory days, when GTOs, Firebirds /Trans Ams sold like hot cakes.

It may be of some comfort to Pontiac fans that General Motors has kept the rights for the brand, so who knows, maybe it will be resurrected sometime in the future. Until then, take a look at the gallery and videos below and keep the legacy of Pontiac in your hearts.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: NY Times

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